WELCOME
The Institute of Masters of Wine is the home of exceptional expertise in the wine world. What started more than 65 years ago as an exam for the UK wine trade is now a globally recognised title collectively held by a worldwide family of Masters of Wine. Today, there are 415 MWs based in 30 countries, each making their own contribution to the world of wine. Becoming an MW means entering a unique wine community; one that brings enriching personal and professional opportunities, as well as lifelong friendships.
ABOUT US
The IMW’s mission is to promote excellence, interaction, and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. As well as running the MW study programme, our programme of worldwide events offers unparalleled opportunities to taste and learn. These tastings and seminars, including our international symposium, are open for anyone to attend – you don’t have to be a Master of Wine to join in.
FIND AN MW
The IMW’s directory of Masters of Wine allows you to search not just by name, but also by skills and specialisms. MWs are active all over the world and in all fields; MWs are winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, educators and more. If you are looking for an MW in a particular country, expert comment on a specific style of wine, a speaker for your event, or experienced commercial advice, look no further.
THE MW EXAM
The MW exam tests the breadth and depth of a candidate’s theoretical knowledge and tasting skills in the art, science and business of wine. By passing the MW exam, you become a member of the IMW, gain the title Master of Wine and can use the initials MW after your name. The MW exam is a series of tasting and theory papers, plus an in-depth research project. You can find out about all stages of the exam, as well as downloading past papers, by clicking below.
Latest News
Julian Gore-Booth announced as the new IMW executive director
The Institute of Masters of Wine is pleased to announce the appointment of Julian Gore-Booth as its new executive director, to replace the departing Adrian Garforth MW. Julian's employment with the IMW will commence in mid-October. Previously chief executive officer...
Features
The Little Fine Wine Company wins Decanter’s Best Subscription Wine Club for the second year in a row
Director Victoria Stephens-Clarkson MW and colleague Cameron McDougall are pictured here with their certificate after winning this award again in 2022, beating tough competition. Vicki writes: ‘We trademarked in 2018 (thanks to several kind MWs who spent bus journeys...
MW students receive the 2022 Taylor’s Port Golden Vines® Diversity Scholarships in Wine
Liquid Icons – the fine wine research and content production company founded by the late, great Gérard Basset OBE MW MS and his friend Lewis Chester DipWSET – are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2022 Taylor’s Port Golden Vines® Diversity Scholarships. The...
2022 Dom Pérignon Golden Vines® Master of Wine Scholarship winners announced
Liquid Icons – the fine wine research and content production company founded by the late, great Gérard Basset OBE MW MS and his friend Lewis Chester DipWSET – are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2022 Dom Pérignon Golden Vines® Master of Wine and Master...
2022 MW exam questions and wines revealed
The Institute of Masters of Wine has published the questions from the 2022 MW exam, including the list of wines for the practical (tasting) part of the exam. The complete list of wines can be found here, along with the accompanying questions. The list also shows the...
MW student Tao Platon awarded the Lallemand bursary
Master of Wine student Tao Platón is the 2022 Lallemand bursary winner. Tao is a stage two MW student and receives £1,500 towards the cost of his studies. Lallemand is a leading producer of wine yeast and bacteria, and their nutrients and a distributor of oenological...
Toronto Star writes feature on David Forer MW
Toronto-born David Forer MW has had his career journey honoured and documented in the Toronto Star, Canada's largest online news platform. Having moved to Barcelona, Spain, 'with two bags each, no cellphones and no apartment', David now owns his own vineyard in the...
Matt Deller MW joins Wirra Wirra as CEO
Wirra Wirra has made two senior appointments, with Matthew Deller MW taking the reins as chief executive officer and Emma Wood entrusted as senior winemaker of the revered McLaren Vale brand. Matthew joins the business from Villa Maria. Prior to his role in New...
Susan R Lin MW published in GuildSomm
Susan Lin MW has been published in GuildSomm for her piece on the perception of wine. Titled 'The Power of the Story: Influences of Narrative in Shaping Wine Perception', Susan explores the value of narrative in how we view certain wines, and how iconic wines gain...
Regenerative Workshop Day with Justin Howard-Sneyd MW
Justin Howard-Sneyd MW is co-organising ‘Regenerative Viticulture Workshop Day’ on 5 September in Hampshire, UK. The one-day workshop will explore vineyard establishment, weed control, cover cropping, balancing soil indices, animal grazing and biodiversity with...
Latest News
Julian Gore-Booth announced as the new IMW executive director
The Institute of Masters of Wine is pleased to announce the appointment of Julian Gore-Booth as its new executive director, to replace the departing Adrian Garforth MW. Julian's employment with the IMW will commence in mid-October. Previously chief executive officer...
MW students receive the 2022 Taylor’s Port Golden Vines® Diversity Scholarships in Wine
Liquid Icons – the fine wine research and content production company founded by the late, great Gérard Basset OBE MW MS and his friend Lewis Chester DipWSET – are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2022 Taylor’s Port Golden Vines® Diversity Scholarships. The...
2022 MW exam questions and wines revealed
The Institute of Masters of Wine has published the questions from the 2022 MW exam, including the list of wines for the practical (tasting) part of the exam. The complete list of wines can be found here, along with the accompanying questions. The list also shows the...
2022 Dom Pérignon Golden Vines® Master of Wine Scholarship winners announced
Liquid Icons – the fine wine research and content production company founded by the late, great Gérard Basset OBE MW MS and his friend Lewis Chester DipWSET – are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2022 Dom Pérignon Golden Vines® Master of Wine and Master...
Features
The Little Fine Wine Company wins Decanter’s Best Subscription Wine Club for the second year in a row
Director Victoria Stephens-Clarkson MW and colleague Cameron McDougall are pictured here with their certificate after winning this award again in 2022, beating tough competition. Vicki writes: ‘We trademarked in 2018 (thanks to several kind MWs who spent bus journeys...
Toronto Star writes feature on David Forer MW
Toronto-born David Forer MW has had his career journey honoured and documented in the Toronto Star, Canada's largest online news platform. Having moved to Barcelona, Spain, 'with two bags each, no cellphones and no apartment', David now owns his own vineyard in the...
Susan R Lin MW published in GuildSomm
Susan Lin MW has been published in GuildSomm for her piece on the perception of wine. Titled 'The Power of the Story: Influences of Narrative in Shaping Wine Perception', Susan explores the value of narrative in how we view certain wines, and how iconic wines gain...
Matt Deller MW joins Wirra Wirra as CEO
Wirra Wirra has made two senior appointments, with Matthew Deller MW taking the reins as chief executive officer and Emma Wood entrusted as senior winemaker of the revered McLaren Vale brand. Matthew joins the business from Villa Maria. Prior to his role in New...
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